The German ICT Card (Intra-Corporate Transfer Card) is a viable idea for multinational companies interested in entering Europe or relocating qualified employees to Germany. It was introduced under the EU Directive 2014/66/EU and provides non-EU managers, specialists, and trainees with the opportunity to work in Germany on internal company transfers for a period of 3 years.
This permit is ideal for businesses that need to move talent to German subsidiaries while remaining fully compliant with immigration regulations.
Whether you are an HR professional managing global mobility or an employee relocating for a key assignment, the German ICT Card offers a clear, legal, and efficient pathway to strengthen your company’s presence in Germany and across Europe.
Discover how the German ICT Card can be your strategic key to expanding and strengthening your presence in Europe.
To explore broader international opportunities, don’t miss our Global Mobility Program—crafted to simplify cross-border expansion and employee relocation worldwide.
What is the German ICT Card?
The German ICT Card is a type of residence permit based on the EU Directive 2014/66/EU, specifically designed for intra-corporate transfers of non-EU nationals. It enables multinational companies to transfer managers, specialists, or trainees from a non-EU office to a German branch or subsidiary for up to three years.
The ICT Card streamlines mobility within the EU for companies operating across borders, removing the burden of separate national work permits and simplifying compliance across Member States.
Who Can Apply for the ICT Card in Germany?
The German ICT Card is aimed at non-EU nationals who are:
- Employed by a non-EU entity of a multinational company
- Being temporarily transferred to a German subsidiary, branch, or affiliate
Falling into one of the following roles:
- Manager: Oversees operations and supervises staff.
- Specialist: Has essential skills, proprietary knowledge, or advanced expertise.
- Trainee Employee: Graduate-level professionals receiving in-company training.
Read More: Opening a subsidiary vs Branch in Germany
Eligibility Criteria for a German ICT Card
To be eligible, the applicant and the employer must fulfill the following conditions:
Employee Requirements:
- Must be a non-EU citizen.
- Employed by the sending company for at least 6 months prior to transfer.
- Possess professional qualifications relevant to the job.
- Have a valid employment contract and assignment letter confirming the transfer.
- Earn a salary comparable to local German standards (as per salary thresholds).
Employer (German Entity) Requirements:
- Must be legally operating in Germany.
- Must confirm the intra-group relationship between entities.
- Must provide a host agreement detailing the position, duration, salary, and working conditions.
Documents Required for the German ICT Card
Here is a checklist of the standard documentation needed:
- Valid passport (minimum 12-month validity)
- Employment contract from the parent company
- Assignment/transfer letter outlining the intra-corporate role
- Proof of educational and professional qualifications
- Evidence of sufficient income
- Health insurance in Germany
- Confirmation from the German host company
- Application form and biometric photos
Note: All foreign documents may need to be translated and notarized.
What Are the Steps to Apply for a German ICT Card?
The process involves both the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) and the local foreigners’ authority.
Simple Application Steps
Check eligibility
- You should be a citizen of the non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen who has been transferred as a manager, specialist, or trainee within the same company or group.
Collect required documents
- Collect the documents of both the sending company and the German host company, the assignment letter, job description, and salary.
Apply for a German visa
- Submit your application for a long-term (Type D) visa at the German Embassy or Consulate in your home country (or via the German online portal if already in the EU).
Application review
- The Federal Office for Migration reviews your application. Once approved, a visa is issued for entry into Germany.
Travel to Germany
- Enter Germany and register your residential address.
Apply for the ICT Card
- Visit the local immigration office, submit documents, and provide biometric data.
Collect the ICT Card
- Within 90 days of arrival, collect your German ICT Card from the local immigration office.
Processing Time: Typically 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the complexity and workload at the consulate and immigration offices.
Are you an Indian looking to get the German Intra-corporate transfer visa? Read our latest guide on – Requirements to get ICT card in Germany for Indians
Duration and Renewal of the ICT Visa in Germany
- The standard validity is up to 3 years for managers/specialists.
- For trainees, the maximum period is 1 year.
- Renewal is only possible if the total stay does not exceed the maximum duration set by EU law.
- Extensions or repeated applications for the same person are not allowed under the ICT scheme.
Benefits of the German ICT Card
The ICT Card offers several key advantages for both employers and employees:
For Employers:
- Quick and legal deployment of skilled workforce
- Unified compliance across EU member states
- Avoids re-application in multiple countries for short-term work
For Employees:
- Legal residence and work in Germany without local employment
- Family reunification rights for spouse and children
- Access to EU-wide mobility (short-term assignments to other EU countries)
- No need for an additional work permit in Germany
German ICT Card vs EU Blue Card: Key Differences
| Feature | ICT Card | EU Blue Card |
| Purpose | Temporary intra-company transfer | Long-term job and career in Germany |
| Type of Job | Internal company transfer (same company group) | Direct employment with a German company |
| Who It’s For | Managers, specialists, and trainees sent by a multinational company | Highly skilled professionals hired by a German employer |
| Prior Work Requirement | Minimum 6 months with the company outside the EU | No prior work needed with the same company |
| Employer | Non-EU company transferring to an EU branch | EU-based employer |
| Validity | Up to 3 years | Initially up to 4 years, renewable |
| Mobility | Limited to group companies | EU-wide but job-dependent |
| Permanent Residency | Not directly eligible | Eligible after 33 or 21 months |
| Changing Employer | Not allowed (company-specific) | Allowed after a certain period |
| EU Travel | Short business trips in other EU countries | Easier long-term mobility within the EU |
| Qualifications | Company-specific skills; degree not always required | University degree or strong experience (especially in IT) |
If you’re planning a long-term career in Germany, the EU Blue Card in Germany may be a better fit. But if your company is relocating you for a specific project, the ICT Card offers quicker entry and fewer hurdles.
Life in Germany with an ICT Card
Once you receive your German ICT Card and arrive in the country, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Work and live legally in Germany when transferring your company
- Receive quality healthcare and government services
- Take advantage of effective transport and advanced infrastructure
- Bring your family; your spouse can work without restrictions
- Travel freely within the Schengen Area on a short-term basis
- Enjoy a high standard of living and a safe environment
- Temporary residence- only applicable to short assignments.
How OnDemand International Can Help?
Navigating visa laws, cross-border regulations, and compliance in Germany can be overwhelming. That’s where OnDemand International steps in.
Our ICT Card Support Includes:
- Eligibility assessment for your company and employee
- Full document preparation and verification
- Communication with German consulates and immigration authorities
- Support for family reunification and registration in Germany
- Post-arrival assistance, including residence permits, tax ID, and insurance
Whether you’re a multinational deploying a team or a startup expanding to Europe, our global mobility experts ensure a smooth, compliant, and fast-track relocation.
Conclusion
The German ICT Card offers a powerful opportunity for multinational companies and professionals looking to establish a legal, structured presence in Germany. With streamlined requirements, legal work rights, family benefits, and short-term EU mobility, it’s a practical solution for strategic corporate expansion. However, navigating immigration rules, local compliance, and documentation can be complex without expert support.
That’s where OnDemand International comes in—we simplify the process, ensure full legal compliance, and help your team settle confidently in Germany. Whether you’re transferring executives, IT professionals, or training future leaders, the ICT Card is your ticket to operating smoothly in Europe’s largest economy.
For more details, get in touch with our business experts from OnDemand International today.
FAQ’s
Can an ICT cardholder change jobs in Germany?
No. The ICT Card is specific to the assignment and the employer that sponsored the transfer. Job changes are not allowed.
Can family members work in Germany?
Yes. Spouses of ICT cardholders are allowed to work without needing a separate work permit.
What is the salary requirement for a German ICT Card?
While there is no fixed salary, it must be comparable to local standards for similar positions.
How long can I stay in Germany with an ICT Card?
Up to 3 years for managers/specialists and 1 year for trainees.
Can I move to other EU countries with a German ICT Card?
Yes, for short-term stays (up to 90 days within 180 days) in other EU countries where your employer has a presence.
Germany ICT Visa Processing Time?
Embassy visa processing: 4–10 weeks
With employer pre-approval: As fast as 10–15 days (in some cases)
ICT residence card in Germany: 2–4 weeks after arrival